John Tuggle

John Dale Tuggle, age 89, Coffeyville, Kansas resident passed away at his residence on Saturday, February 25, 2006. He was born July 30, 1916 in Danville, Illinois to Louis P. Tuggle and Nannie Dyer Tuggle. Their family then moved to Kentucky. They later moved to Dearing, Kansas when John was 11. John attended Dearing school, graduated from the 8th grade in 1933, dropped out of the 10th grade in the fall of 1934 and spent two years working in a Civilian Conservation Corp Camp. He resumed his studies at Dearing High School and attended Field Kindley High School for two years, graduating in 1939. He later enrolled part time in Coffeyville Community College in 1958 and graduated in 1963. He continued his education at Pittsburgh State University. Mr. Tuggle served in the National Guard 1937- 1940 prior to being activated in the Army of the United States. He was a WWII Veteran, In February, 1937, John joined the 114th Cavalry of the Kansas National Guard. In September, 1940, the unit was changed to the 127th Field Artillery and mobilized into federal service in December, 1940. In March 1942, the unit was changed to the 195th Field Artillery, and one year later to the 997th Field Artillery Battalion. After serving 3 years, training at various posts in the United States, the unit sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia on the former French Liner Ille De France. After debarking in Scotland, he trained for four months in England. The unit landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy, 21 days after D-Day. He participated in five campaigns from Normandy to Central Europe. He served from February 8, 1940 - October 30, 1945. He was honorably discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In May of 1949, John joined Headquarters Battery 781 Field Artillery Battalion, an Army Reserve unit located in Independence, Ks.; The unit was changed to 281 Field Artillery Battalion in May, 1952. He was discharged in December, 1952 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During a weekend pass, while Stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO in October, 1943, John was introduced to Audrey Smith, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth Kunkle Smith of Avonmore, PA. They were married in September 10, 1946, Coffeyville, Kansas at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church. Mrs. Tuggle survives of the home in Coffeyville. Other survivors include his daughter, Susan Tuggle; Coffeyville, lifetime friend of Susan, Brenda Steeves Payton, Muskegon, Michigan; 3 sisters, Minnie Larkin, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Rose Rogers, Wichita, Kansas; Dorothy Krein, Shenandoah, Iowa; Also his beloved dogsnoopy. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Charles Tuggle, 3 sisters, Lela Tuggle, Lillian Cullimore, twin sister Mary Tuggle and 1 stillborn son Sidney Tuggle. Memberships include: First United Methodist Church, Keystone Sunday School Class, Over 50 year member of The Order Of The White Shrine Of Jerusalem, 32nd degree Mason, Keystone Lodge AF amp; AM 102, Blue Lodge, York Rite, Eastern Star Chapter 12, Mirza Temple, VFW Post 1022 and American Legion Post 20. Mr. Tuggle served as a City Commissioner for 10 years and also was elected Mayor from 1979 1980. He was active in Boy Scouting as a child. He later helped organize and lead an Eagle Scout Troop during the 60s. John was an Electrician he worked for Liebert Brothers Electric Co., Missouri Pacific Railroad and Hertweck Electric all of Coffeyville. In March of 1953 Mr. Tuggle opened his own business Ozark Electric Company, where he ownedoperated until 1996. His hobbies include Family Genealogy, Licensed Amateur Radio Operator since 1939. He also enjoyed boating, sailing and he was a avid reader. He received a private pilots license around 1967. He enjoyed attending air shows. Funeral Services will be held 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2006 at Coffeyville, Kansas Penwell-Gabel Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas. Calling hoursVisitation: Mr. Tuggle will lie in state on Thursday, March 2, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.. Interment will be held at the Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville, Kansas following Funeral Service. Fort Riley Big Red One will conduct Military Rites, Fort Riley, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be given to the Harry Hynes Hospice, Shriners Hospital or First United Methodist Church co Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. To leave a special message or read obit online please visit, www.penwellgabel.com